Stag and Stone

Religion, Archaeology and Esoteric Aesthetics

by Jay Johnston

Book cover: Stag and Stone

Extent: 256 pages

Publisher: Equinox Publishing

Subjects: Philosophy, Religious Studies, World Archaeology

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(January 2021)

ISBN: 9781781793381

6.1 x 9.17 inches

Price: $100.00

In stock

This is a timely and innovative evaluation of the interdisciplinary dialogue between religious studies and archaeology. Investigating the core concepts of materiality, perception, ritual and agency the volume redefines conceptual categories and argues for the need of ‘critical bewilderment’ as a unique scholarly practice. The pioneering intersubjective methodology brings together recent developments in religious aesthetics, theoretical archaeology and cultural studies. Taking as its focus ‘troublesome’ objects and places – those deemed ambiguous in purpose and meaning – the individual case studies contribute new knowledge to a range of areas including the archaeology of shamanism, contemporary art and early medieval Norse and Insular material culture.


Stag and Stone: Religion, Archaeology and Esoteric Aesthetics is a timely and innovative evaluation of the interdisciplinary dialogue between religious studies and archaeology. Investigating the core concepts of materiality, perception, ritual and agency the volume redefines conceptual categories and argues for the need of ‘critical bewilderment’ as a unique scholarly practice. The pioneering intersubjective methodology brings together recent developments in religious aesthetics, theoretical archaeology and cultural studies. Taking as its focus ‘troublesome’ objects and places – those deemed ambiguous in purpose and meaning – the individual case studies contribute new knowledge to a range of areas including the archaeology of shamanism, contemporary art and early medieval Norse and Insular material culture. Stag and Stone offers useful insights to upper level undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers in the areas of heritage and cultural studies, theoretical archaeology, animal studies, religious studies and art history.

INTRODUCTION: Of Stags on Stones Section I: QUIXOTIC MATERIALITY Chapter 1: Matter: Cultivation and Co-Learning Chapter 2: Spheres of Debate: Discussing Ambiguous Objects Chapter 3: Antler Aesthetics: Alternate Epistemologies and Material Culture Section II: IRREGULAR ANIMALITY Chapter 4: Static Shamans: Agency and Iconography Chapter 5: Transpecies Narrative: Strange and Shifty Beasts Section III: DISORIENTATED DISOURSES Chapter 6: Speaking Stones: Runic Inscriptions and the Legacy of Religious Discourse on their Interpretation Chapter 7: Landscape Amulets: Materiality, Animality and Ecological Responsibility Conclusion: Inconclusive: Ethical Enchantment and Politics of Bewilderment

  • By (author) Jay Johnston